Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant update

Sunday 1 February 

Our teams have been onsite throughout the weekend closely monitoring pond conditions, odour levels and system performance. At this stage, pond conditions remain largely unchanged since our last update. Dissolved oxygen levels are still low across much of the system, so the stench is likely to continue in the short term.

Positive signs with recent weather

The recent stretch of sunshine is helpful. Warm, bright conditions support algae growth, which plays an important role in restoring dissolved oxygen in the ponds. As algae activity increases, we expect this to gradually improve pond health. While this won’t deliver an immediate change, it is a positive factor supporting ongoing recovery.

What we’re doing

Our staff continue to:

• Monitor pond health and odour in real time.
• Review results and make small, controlled adjustments to support system stability.
• Keep aeration equipment and flow diversions operating as effectively as possible.

We know the stench is unpleasant and disruptive, and we’re sorry for the impact this continues to have on you and your whānau. Please be assured we are doing everything we can to support the system’s recovery and reduce odour where possible.

We’ll keep providing updates as conditions change.

Health, wellbeing and support services 

There are free services across Ōtautahi Christchurch available to support and enhance overall health and wellbeing. These include:

Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs)

HIPs are qualified mental health professionals based in General Practices (GPs). They offer free, 15–30 minute sessions focused on practical strategies to support mental and physical wellbeing. There is no limit to the number of sessions you can access.

You can book directly through your GP.

Pae Ora ki Waitaha Support

Pae Ora ki Waitaha is a free healthy lifestyles service developed with Māori and Pasifika providers.

More information is avalable on their website. 

Healthline

Healthline is a free over-the-phone health service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or someone in your family is unwell, you can call Healthline and speak to experienced nurses and paramedics for health advice and information about what to do next.  

Call 0800 611 116.

Stay updated

We want everyone to be able to stay updated on what's happening at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant, and we regularly post new information on ccc.govt.nz/wastewaterfire 

You're welcome to send this update to your networks. If you know someone in the community who doesn’t have email or internet access, please print this newsletter off and pass it to them.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive this e-newsletter they can subscribe online. 

If you have any questions, or would like further information on the project, please call us on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 or email wastewater@ccc.govt.nz  

Thanks for your patience and understanding. We’ll be in touch again soon.